U. can boost Philadelphia's image, urban specialist says

The University, with new President Judith Rodin at the helm, is uniquely positioned to help catapult the Philadelphia area back into national prominence, urban affairs expert and syndicated columnist Neil Peirce concluded in a study published in last Sunday's Philadelphia Inquirer. During the last decade, Peirce has criss-crossed the country emphasizing the power of innovation. Only by tapping existing creative potential -- and encouraging communities to see beyond their perceived shortcomings and failures -- can urban centers and their burgeoning suburbs be revitalized, Peirce believes. A Philadelphia native, Peirce and colleague Curtis Johnson have worked their magic in places like Dallas, Baltimore, Seattle and Phoenix, Ariz., spreading the gospel of the economically unified, environmentally respectful and intellectually advanced "citistate" wherever they go. When the Inquirer published Peirce's "Reinventing the Region" report, residents of the City of Brotherly Love and its surrounding suburbs were given a choice: embrace each other to create a dynamic and empowered region -- or face slow, steady and sure decline as the turn of the century approaches. The report offers a glimpse at the state of the city and lists suggestions for improvement culled from focus groups held throughout the past year, with the assistance of area businesswoman Beverly Harper and public relations consultant Nancy Mohr. "Reinventing the Region" centers on the citistate's neighborhoods, educational system, work force, culture, environment and government, with stories and graphics about patterns of migration in the area filling 12 broadsheet pages -- the largest outside commentary section the Inquirer has ever printed. "Maybe our ideas aren't specific or the right ones, but get with it guys, think forward," Peirce said yesterday from his home in Washington, referring to public officials in the region. "I am convinced that regions that rest on their oars will drift into unpleasant eddies. They'll be backwater regions in the next century." The University is integral to Peirce's plan for the 21st century citistate, because of its human capital, physical plant and involvement with the community. Peirce cited its advanced technological and information processing capabilities, as well as its specialized medical expertise, as particularly "stunning." "Penn occupies a role as a lead institution [nationwide]," he said. "It should not be a dictator to others, but with its intellectual depth and capacity it can set a pace as an example." However, Peirce is quick to point out that his team's prescription for the Philadelphia citistate is only a recommendation. "We're trying to open people's minds to the possibilities of collective or joint action, but not to say to them do our blueprint or you're lost," he said. "If you believe -- as we do -- that the answers come out of the process of people finding answers, who are we to say we have all the answers?" Ira Harkavy, director of the University's Center for Community Partnerships, said he enthusiastically supports Peirce's notion of regionalism. Since 1985, Harkavy has taught a seminar about the University's relationship with West Philadelphia, where enrolled students undertake original research projects in the community. For the fall 1995 semester, Harkavy said 15 departments are offering 28 courses incorporating some component of service learning. "American universities can have a fundamental effect on improving their neighborhoods," he said. "By engaging [University students] in solving real-world problems, we remain true to Franklin's mission."